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PITTSBURGH — Carson Palmer talked all week about how former college teammate Troy Polamalu is the NFL's best defensive player. Then Palmer helped make a strong argument for that case.

Polamalu, an All-Pro safety, and linebacker LaMarr Woodley returned interceptions for Pittsburgh's only touchdowns to lead the first-place Steelers past Palmer's Bengals, who matched their 1993 mark for consecutive losses in a season at 10. The overall franchise record is 11, from 1992-93.

Polamalu cut in front of Terrell Owens to intercept Palmer and return it 45 yards for a score, tying it at 7 in the first half. Both of Polamalu's career regular-season touchdowns via interceptions are against Palmer, who roomed with Polamalu at USC.

"I was just doing my job," Polamalu said. "I just happened to be in the right position."

"No one is playing as good as Troy Polamalu in football right now, in my opinion," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. "When we need a play, he provides it."